1. 1 Introduction to Computers Dr. Basel Mahafzah

2. 2 Computers are electronic devices that can follow instructions to accept input, process the input and then produce information. What are computers?

3. 3 Microcomputers Four Kinds of Computers

4. 4 Microcomputers Minicomputers

5. 5 Four Kinds of Computers Microcomputers Minicomputers Mainframe computers

6. 6 Microcomputers Minicomputers Mainframe computers Supercomputers Four Kinds of Computers

7. 7 Generally employs a microprocessor, “computer on a chip” and are desktop sized or less Two main types –Desktop –Portable 1996 1998 1996 1998 Microcomputer Microcomputers (in millions) 1995 1997 350 300 250 200 Increasing Use of Microcomputers Source: Intel Corporation

8. 8 Small enough for a desktop, but not easily portable Personal computers (PC’s) run general purpose software and are employed by a wide spectrum of users Desktop Computers

9. 9 Workstations are powerful machines, running more advanced software, for technical, scientific, or data- intensive tasks These distinctions, however, are blurring Desktop Computers

10. 10 Easily transported from one place to another Portable Computers

11. 11 Portable Computers Four categories –Laptops –Notebooks –Sub-notebooks –Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)

12. 12 Desk-sized More processing speed and storage capacity than microcomputers General data processing needs at small companies Larger companies use them for specific purposes Minicomputers

13. 13 Larger machines with special wiring and environmental controls Faster processing and greater storage than minicomputers Typical machine in large organizations Mainframe Computers

14. 14 The most powerful of the four categories Used by very large organizations, particularly for very math-intensive types of tasks Supercomputers